Action
Leaf: alternative, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, hydragogue,
expectorant.
Fruit-alterative, tonic, diuretic
Uses
edema
fever and cough
gonorrhea
heart disease (accompanied by leg and foot swelling)
hemorrhoids
inflammatory swellings
enlarged liver
skin diseases
enlarged spleen
painful, swollen testicles
Taken internally in very small amounts, the leaves strongly promote
perspiration and purge the bowels the next day. The juice of the
fresh herb is sometimes used for fever and to allay pain. In large
doses, black nightshade can cause serious, but usually not fatal,
poisoning. Externally, the juice or an ointment prepared from the
leaves can be used for skin problems and tumors. The berries are
poisonous, but boiling apparently destroys the toxic substances
and makes them usable for preserves, jams, and pies.
This herb is used for skin diseases, rheumatism, and gout. Juice
of the herb is given in chronic enlargement of the liver. It can
cure ear, and eye diseases. It is sometimes prescribed to "remove
the effect of old age."
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